JUST ASK | 成长不烦恼(134532)-高一英语阅读(760)-21英语网

Q

Dear Daniel,

These days, I’m finding that I have a growing interest in listening to music, especially Taylor Swift. But I’m spending so much time listening to music that I’m having a hard time paying attention to my schoolwork. I have a lot of schoolwork to do these days. What can I do about this problem? Wu Yu

A

Dear Wu Yu,

Listening to music is a great way to use only half of your brain. I enjoy music while washing my dishes, walking to the store or even driving a car. I love singing along while I drive. Somehow, our brains can sing and drive safely at the same time.

Reading is different. It requires (需要) all of your brain’s attention. Have you ever noticed that people don’t read books while driving? Reading and driving is like asking to die quickly.

So, you’re trying to study. That requires reading. You’re also listening to catchy (动听的) music that you enjoy. Taylor Swift’s songs don’t ask for your attention – they grab (抢走) it.

I think you can see the solution to your problem: Don’t listen to music while studying. If you must listen to music, choose something without words, like piano jazz. Play it softly in the background.

My own favorite background “music” is white noise (白噪声). I’ve mentioned it here before. Get yourself a white-noise app and appreciate (欣赏) the sound of rainfall while you read your books. Then, when you’ve finished studying, reward (奖励) yourself with Taylor Swift. Daniel